BasketballCharlotte tops ECU

East Carolina freshman Raquan Wilkins lofts a free throw during the Pirates’ non-conference contest at Charlotte Thursday night. Wilkins was among five ECU players to score in double figures. (Photo by Greg Vacek)

CHARLOTTE — East Carolina was missing leading scorer Caleb White on Thursday night at Charlotte and fell 76-64 although the Pirates put five players in double figures.

White, a senior who averaged 16.5 points in wins over Grambling and North Carolina A&T, had to serve a one-game suspension for an NCAA violation and is expected to play in a 1 p.m. home game Sunday against Stetson.

Andre Washington had 12 points and eight rebounds against the 49ers, who improved to 3-0 as Jon Davis led the way with 24 points.

Anthony Vanhook had 13 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for Charlotte although the Pirates led 38-29 on the boards.

B.J. Tyson and freshman Raquan Wilkins, who started in White’s absence, each had 12 points. Clarence Williams added 11 points.

Kentrell Barkley had 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists for ECU (2-1).

Charlotte led 52-42 with 12 minutes remaining but an 11-0 run by the Pirates provided a 53-52 ECU lead.

The 49ers answered with a decisive 15-3 run.

Charlotte finished with 11 steals. The Pirates had 21 turnovers to eight for the hosts.

Freshmen Elijah Hughes and Jeremy Sheppard also were out for ECU, which used eight players.